&#65279;AN elderly man has died after an assault outside his North East home.

Pensioner John Farrow, 74, passed away on Thursday following an incident outside his house in Burns Avenue South in Houghton-le-Spring.

Police received reports that someone had been banging on the 74-year-old's door just after 2.30am on Sunday, January 20.

At the time Mr Farrow was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital. A post mortem will take place in due course.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the time of the incident on suspicion of assault and he is currently on bail.

DCI Christina Barrett said: "We are working to establish the full circumstances of this incident and would urge anyone who has information to contact police if they saw or heard anything unusual in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"Neighbourhood officers have been out and about in the area over recent days to reassure local residents. The investigation is ongoing."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.&#65279;